Electromagnetic Blood Flowmetry in Small Vessel Surgery

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study problems in microvascular flowmetry. Special emphasis was placed on the meticulous preparation of the vessel wall in order to improve zero-line stability and on the problems related to the calibration of small electromagnetic flow probes. Electromagnetic flow probes with an inner diameter of 2, 1.5 and 1 mm were used for studies on zero-line drifting and for calibration procedures in a series of rats and rabbits. Principles and tools derived from microvascular surgery, including the binocular microscope, were employed in the preparation of the vessel wall and in the application of the probes. The results obtained indicate an improvement in flow uptake and in zero-line stability following this procedure. Precalibration of small flow probes using laboratory animals should be considered if calibration is not feasible at the time of the flow measurement. Use of the microsurgical technique for vessel preparation is recommended.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Helge Nornes

Joyce Laing works in the Department of Child and Family Psychiatry, Playfield House, Cupar, Fife, and is a Consultant Art Therapist to Psychiatric Hospitals and Prisons and Chairwoman of the Scottish Society of Art and Psychology.